How to Drive your Car to Improve Gas Mileage

To properly view this site, javascript must be enabled and Flash version 9 or higher must be installed.
Get the latest Flash player
David Rizzo
Dr. Road Map, Dr. Road Map
www.drroadmap.com  
(714) 879-8521

David, DR. ROADMAP, Rizzo burst upon the traffic scene in late 1987 as the first person in Los Angeles to offer alternate routes to motorists who were sick and tired of being stuck in traffic. In 1990 he released to the world the most comprehensive guide ever written of off-freeway commuting in Southern California. Two years later he became the first traffic reporter to offer daily alternate routes in real time over the air on one of the most popular morning radio shows in Los Angeles. Dr. Roadmap continues to provide COMMUTE MANAGEMENT solutions with the 2006 release of his book, "Survive the Drive! How to Beat Freeway Traffic in Southern California."

How to Drive your Car to Improve Gas Mileage

David Rizzo, fuel economy expert, explains how to drive your car to improve gas mileage.

This expert: 226,857 views

This series: 57,521 views

Print

Transcripts

David Rizzo: Hi, I am Dr. David Rizzo better known as DR. ROADMAP. Now we are going to discuss how to drive your car to improve gas mileage. Host: Is it better to use the AC or keep my windows open?

David Rizzo: This is one of my favorite topics because it goes back and forth but on the whole engineers agree it's better to roll down your windows and shut off the air conditioning. Yes people say, oh, well air turbulence is created but on the whole it's better to shut off the air conditioning. Here's why, first of all air conditioning saps about 5-15% of engine power. So you are wasting all that gas just to stay a little cooler. Now it can be modified. In other words if you are going down the freeway at 70, I will roll up the windows because then the Coefficient of Drag is so great at 70 that it makes a difference. But if you are in stop and go traffic in the city or going up hills, shut that air conditioner off, roll down the windows, you will save a ton of gas.

Other Videos

  • How to Repair Your Windshield In this video series, Judy Greenway of Royal Glass, demonstrates the basis of repairing your windshield.
  • When to Replace Tires In this video series, John Nielsen, director of AAA’s Approved Auto Repair Network and Auto Buying Services, demonstrates the basics of how to buy and maintain tires. The series explains when you should replace tires and what to consider when buying tires for your vehicle. It also offers tips for maintaining your tires and provides instruction on how to change a flat. For more AAA Automotive information, visit www.AAA.com/Auto.
  • How to Change Your Windshield Wiper Blades This video shows you how to change your windshield wiper blades.
  • How To  Safely Buy A Used Car Scotty Kilmer, mechanic for the last 40 plus years, shows how to safely purchase a used vehicle. For answers to all your car questions absolutely free, just visit Scottykilmer.com
  • How to Ride a Motorcycle This video series will show how to ride a motorcycle. Whether you're considering a chopper, cruiser or even just a scooter, these tips will get you on the road fast.
  • How to Install a Hood Lock for your car Install a hoodlock deadbolt for your car so sticky fingers don't have a chance to steal the goodies under your hood!